6 Tips to Transform Into the Perfect Boat Guest

Invited to join us for a day on a sailboat? Of course, you can't say no to that! To be invited for a second sailing day, it is of course useful to know exactly what the etiquette is. We have put together some tips that will make you feel like the ideal guest in no time!

Tip 1: Take off your shoes

Before entering, it is useful to ask if shoes should be taken off. As sailing boats often do not have much space, they quickly get dirty. For the heel wearers among us: it is best to leave them in the closet. Not only for practical reasons, but also because heels are bad for the deck and can leave prints.

Tip 2: Gift ideas for the host or hostess

Bringing a little something for the host or hostess never hurts, of course, but what exactly do you take more for a sailboat owner? For a sailor, practical, small gifts are always ideal, something for the kitchen for example. It is important that the gift is small, as there is limited space on a sailboat. If the hosts are wine lovers, a nice bottle of wine that can be consumed at sea during sunset is also definitely not a bad idea. This is sure to impress the owners.

Tip 3: Relieve your hosts of tasks

What the host or wife will surely appreciate is to offer to take care of rubbish on the way home, for instance, so they don't have to worry about it any more. You can also offer to bring water or groceries. That will save the host some lugging from the supermarket to the port!

Tip 4: Don't use too much water!

On a sailboat, it is important to use water sparingly, as there is only a limited amount of it on the boat. When the water runs out too quickly, the host or hostess has to refill it, and that can be a hassle while sailing. Therefore, make sure you don't consume too much water.

Tip 5: Bring your own towels

A sailboat trip often ends in a dip in the water, so it is handy to bring your own towel. This again saves your host's dirty laundry, as it can require a lot of work on the boat. You'll definitely be doing your host a favour with this!

Tip : Ask for the toilet

Using the toilet on a sailing boat is something that is different on every boat. This is why it is useful to ask your host how it all works, so you know where you stand. Especially if you are new to sailing, it takes some getting used to: often the toilet has to be pumped through properly.

With these tips, you should definitely manage to be the perfect boat-guest. Have fun sailing!